Mariners aim to make it lucky 13

The Central Coast Mariners may have been unable to take a trick against their local rival Newcastle last week, but they are hoping to give fans a treat this weekend, with a Halloween victory over Adelaide United.

The Central Coast Mariners may have been unable to take a trick against their local rival Newcastle last week, but they are hoping to give fans a treat this weekend, with a Halloween victory over Adelaide United.

Spookily, the 31 October fixture takes place during “lucky” round 13, and the clash will also represent the chance for fans in the nation-s capital to get lucky, by winning some fabulous prizes.

"The Central Coast has built an incredibly strong relationship with the people of Canberra, and we hope a big crowd comes out to Canberra Stadium on Saturday to join the fun," said Mariners Executive Chairman Lyall Gorman.

Fans dressed in Halloween costume have the chance to win some great prizes, including Westfield gift vouchers, Masterfoods goodies, and the Belkin Lucky Row, which will see an entire row pick up some fantastic prizes from Belkin.

There will also be a "Trick or Treat" at half time, so there-s some fantastic reasons for families to get out to the game, and get into the spirit of Halloween.

Saturday marks the first time ever Canberra Stadium has played host to the Westfield W-League, with the Central Coast Mariners doing battle with local favourites Canberra United.

The Mariners are sitting pretty in second place on the Westfield W-League ladder, and face up to a Canberra side featuring former Mariner Ellyse Perry.

"We must win the match, no doubt. We want to play finals football, and our aim is to go out and win every single match," said Mariners defender Rachael Doyle.

As part of Saturday's huge double header, Doyle, along with five of her Mariners' teammates will be among a group of current an former Westfield Matildas to be presented with their national caps as part of a special presentation at half time of the Hyundai A-League match.

The Hyundai A-League clash between the Mariners and Adelaide United also represents a great chance for both sides to continue their rise up the ladder, with just ten points separating first and last place.

"The 5-thousand people who came last time enjoyed the game between two teams having a go at each other. There were a few twists and turns in the last few minutes and I-m sure they-ll all come back.

"Get out and support your other local team, which is us, down in Canberra," said Mariners Football Manager Lawrie McKinna.

There will be a sombre note to the clash, with Mariners players to wear black armbands in respect of foundation member Kylie Bryce, who this week tragically lost her battle with lung cancer aged 34.

Ms Bryce was due to attend the Round 13 fixture alongside members of her family, and had also planned to support the team in Melbourne next weekend.

The club-s deepest condolences are extended to Ms Bryce-s family and friends, many of whom will be supporting the Central Coast in the nation-s capital on Saturday in the hope the Mariners can honour Ms Bryce-s life by dedicating a victory to her.

The Central Coast Mariners take on Adelaide United next Saturday, 31 October at Canberra Stadium, as part of a double header, which also sees the Mariners Westfield W-League side clash with Canberra United. Kick-off in the Westfield W-League game is at 4:15pm, while the Hyundai A-League sides do battle at 7:00pm. Tickets are available online here or by phoning 132 849.

Mariners Memberships for the Hyundai A-League 2009/10 season are now on sale by clicking here